Armenia’s Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) Anahit Manasyan officially proposed establishing contact with Azerbaijan’s commissioner for human rights on humanitarian and human rights issues, but Baku has not replied, аccording to CivilNet.
“In her capacity as an apolitical and independent institution, the Ombudsman proposed dialogue immediately after her election. To date, no response has been received. Any new information suitable for publication will be provided additionally,” her office said in a written response.
The office stressed that the rights of Armenians illegally detained in Azerbaijan are regularly raised with Armenian state bodies and international platforms. It also reminded that the Ombudsman’s mandate is limited: it does not include conducting state negotiations or initiating international court cases.
Special concern was expressed over the suspension of the International Committee of the Red Cross’s activities in Azerbaijan, which, in the absence of alternative mechanisms, could endanger the protection of Armenian detainees’ rights.
Families of detainees have reported violations of the right to life, health, and protection from torture, while also requesting social and legal assistance. In some cases, the Ombudsman’s office has resolved these issues quickly in cooperation with state agencies and international organizations.
The office continues to monitor developments through multiple sources, including media, and shares information with international partners. Manasyan has regularly raised the issue with major organizations, including GANHRI, ENNHRI, ICRC, Freedom House, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, UN special procedures, as well as with various national ombudsmen. The matter has also been presented to embassies and international organizations accredited in Armenia, including UN and Council of Europe offices in Yerevan.
The Ombudsman’s office said it will continue to raise the rights of Armenian detainees and illegally imprisoned individuals in meetings with both international and local partners.
In September 2023, after a nine-month blockade and the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh’s Armenian population, Azerbaijan captured former Artsakh leaders, including Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, foreign minister Davit Babayan, and others. The fabricated charges they face could result in life sentences. Their show trial began in Baku on January 17.
